The Cohiba Club

So Much for Initiative 1016

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:07:00 +0000

Excerpted from "Cigar Bar Initiative Doesn't Gather Enough Signatures For Ballot" by Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle, WA)

Close, But No Cigar

Backers of an initiative petition in Washington that would have allowed cigar smoking in cigar bars, cigar stores and private clubs said they’ve come up short in obtaining the required number of signatures to put the measure on a state ballot.

Initiative 1016 supporters said they gathered 213,000 signatures but fell 12,000 short of the 225,000 required by July 3. Supporters called the current ban on smoking “draconian.”

“The current ban is not fair to owners and customers of cigar stores and cigar bars and members of private clubs ... This is as much a matter of supporting personal rights and fairness as anything else,” said Joe Arundel, initiative sponsor and owner of Rain City Cigar in Seattle, in a statement.

He added that supporters will ask state legislators in January to change the laws that currently prohibit smoking in cigar bars, stores and private clubs.

Cigar of the Week (September 1st, 2008)

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:14:00 +0000

Robusto

TATUAJE HAVANA VI NOBLES

NICARAGUA

A dark brown, oily cigar with a great cap. It gives off a wonderfully rich, spicy aroma as it burns. The hickory, spice, and coffee flavors are build around a solid leather core. A dried apple note also surfaces.

LENGTH: 5"

RING GAUGE: 50

FILLER: Nicaragua

BINDER: Nicaragua

WRAPPER: Nicaragua

$7.00

Source: Cigar Aficionado

New La Aroma de Cuba by Don Pepin Garcia

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:08:00 +0000

Excerpted from, “Nicaraguan La Aroma Debuts Next Week,” By David Savona

Unlike the original, the new La Aroma de Cuba will be made in Nicaragua, rather than Honduras. La Aroma de Cuba Edición Especial is being made in Nicaragua by Jose “Pepin” Garcia.

Brand owner Robert Levin, who also owns the Ashton and San Cristobal cigar brands, said it has strength and flavor—but not too much. “It’s not as full-bodied as San Cristobal,” he said. “You can smoke one after the other.” San Cristobal is also made for Ashton by Don Pepin.

Ashton vice president Sathya Levin said the cigars have “a lot of aroma and flavor, without a lot of punch.” The Edición Especials feature a Cuban-seed wrapper grown by Oliva Tobacco Co. [not Oliva Cigar Co.] in Ecuador, a fairly rare leaf. The filler and binder are all Nicaraguan.

The brand will come in five sizes with suggested retail prices from $6.50 to $8.00.

Credit to Cigar Insider

New La Flor Perfectos

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:56:00 +0000

Excerpted from "New Shape And Factory Expansion From Litto Gomez" By David Savona

Litto Gomez, maker of La Flor Dominicana and Coronado by La Flor cigars, has released new perfecto shapes. The 5 3/4 inch, 54 ring cigars, made in four different varieties, have pointed tips, open but tapered feet and a 54 ring gauge around their midsections. The cigars come in a five-cigar box called Los Perfectos Sampler, which has a suggested retail price of $52.

There is a La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero blend, a La Flor Dominicana Ligero Oscuro Natural, a Coronado by La Flor, and two unbanded cigars that are made with a new blend Gomez is not revealing. “It’s a surprise blend,” Gomez said of the unbanded smokes. “It will probably be a future blend of La Flor Dominicana.”

Helping to ensure there will be more La Flors in the future, Gomez recently added about 15,000 square feet to his factory complex, an area for him to ferment the tobacco coming in from his farm in La Canela.

“We needed that,” said Gomez. “We were totally out of space. Now I have to look at the neighbors,” he said with a chuckle.

Gomez also recently released his La Flor Dominicana Limitado III, made with old ligero he has reserved from his crops.

Credit to Cigar Insider

Cigar of the Week (August 25th, 2008)

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:20:00 +0000

Corona
ILLUSIONE ~mk~
HONDURAS
90
An attractive corona that is mostly woody but offers some creamy, spicy notes and a balancing sweetness.
LENGTH: 5 1/8"
RING GAUGE: 42
FILLER: Nicaragua
BINDER: Nicaragua
WRAPPER: Nicaragua
$6.10
Source: Cigar Aficionado

Gift Review - Havana Dreams 'Datil'

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:05:00 +0000

Another in our ongoing series of occasional reviews of cigars given to us as gifts. Featured this time is the Havana Dreams ‘Datil’, given to me by club member Robert back in November of 2007.

Vitola: Robusto
Origin: Tampa
Length: 5”
Ring Gauge: 50
MSRP: $5.00

Produced in Tampa’s Ybor City by Cuban refugee Lazaro Rodriguez, it features a somewhat rustic looking wrapper that’s still pleasingly crafted.

Following Cigar Aficionado's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) I sat down to rate this cigar while enjoying a glass of scotch.

With a pretty toothy texture, it comes off looking a little rough, but the roll quality was fine. This cigar drew a little tight, but it burned perfectly; which surprised me. I guess the appearance just didn’t give me confidence that it would perform well – but it did. The amount of smoke and the build of the ash were ok.

The flavors started out with a sweetness on the lips that had me wondering if they dip the tips in sugar. I didn’t come away from it recalling discernable flavors and it never really wowed me, but it was just a nice average cigar. If anything, it left me intrigued; ultimately I suppose that I really need to try more of them one day.

My rating for the Havana Dreams ‘Datil’ robusto is 84. A very good cigar.
Here's the points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 14 pts (93% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 20 pts (80% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 28 pts (80% of the points possible)

Event - Three-Day CigarLand Brewfest

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:13:00 +0000

Cigarland's Cigar & Beer Festival!
WHEN: August 21st, 22nd and 23rd, from 3pm to 8 pm
WHERE: CigarLand in Shoreline, next to Central Market
ADDRESS: 15407 Westminister Way N., 5-C

(206) 440-1474

To show appreciation to his loyal customers, John has invited three local breweries to pour their beers in his cigar shop.

Also, during this 3-day long event, all of John's cigars will be marked down by 15% and he's having a Gurkha blow out sale! All Gurkhas will be marked down, some by as much as 50%!

Come and enjoy the great beers and smoke an amazing cigar with John.

Brewery Appearance Schedule:
Thursday, August 21st - FISH BREWING COMPANY 3-8pm
Friday, August 22nd – LAUGHING BUDDHA BREWING 3-8pm
Saturday, August 23rd – HALE's ALES BREWING 3-8pm

Cigar of the Week (August 18th, 2008)

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:07:00 +0000

Robusto
LA FLOR DOMINICANA LIGERO OSCURO L-250
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
90
A dark, oily cigar that emits a toasty aroma as it burns. A fine draw imparts sweet cedary flavors and spicy licorice notes that get progressively stronger.
LENGTH: 4 3/4"
RING GAUGE: 48
FILLER: Dom. Rep.
BINDER: Dom. Rep.
WRAPPER: Ecuador
$6.00
Source: Cigar Aficionado

Most Popular Cigars in America

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:12:00 +0000

Excerpted from, "The Hottest Cigar Brands In America" By David Savona.

The Fuente Fuente OpusX brand again took our lead spot, named by half of the surveyed retailers.

In second place was the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series, the first superpremium brand from the Padrón family.

The Tatuaje brand had its best showing ever in our survey by taking third place, up from fifth last year. This hot, small-production brand owned by Pete Johnson is rolled in Miami by one of the industry’s rising stars, Pepin Garcia.

Rocky Patel claimed fourth place, making the hot-cigar list for the first time. The Rocky Patel Decade recently scored 95 points in Cigar Aficionado magazine. Another new entry to the list is the Oliva Serie V brand, whose Torpedo size was Cigar Aficionado’s No. 4 Cigar of 2007.

In the Best Selling category, the Padrón brand edged Arturo Fuente as the bestselling cigar brand in America, named by 48 percent of the retailers we surveyed. Arturo Fuente, made by Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia. in the Dominican Republic, had topped our best-selling list for each of the previous 12 years. Ranking third among our best sellers is Davidoff, the expensive white-label cigar made in the Dominican Republic by Hendrik “Henke” Kelner. Ranking fourth is a newcomer to our list, Rocky Patel, a brand owned by the increasingly popular Rocky Patel. His cigars are made in a variety of factories in Honduras and Nicaragua. In fifth place is the Ashton brand, which is made by the Fuente family and frequently appears in this ranking.

Credit to Cigar Insider

Herf #15 - Coming to 'America'

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:11:00 +0000

August 10th, 2008 - Woodway, WA

In attendance were Fernand, Robert, John, Pat, Matt, and Sean. As usual, we gathered to enjoy a good cigar and give our opinion on it by holding a 'group tasting' following dinner.

The five of us who came to John’s house were this month’s lucky few to experience (for the 2nd time) the bounty of John’s kitchen. The slow-cooked Cuban pork, black beans, rice, and a wonderful garlic sauce were all amazing and washed down with some of Fernand and Pat’s home brewed summer ale. Once everyone had their fill, it was time for the tasting session. Beverages included Robert’s cigar malt Scotch and John’s espresso.

Our selection for this Herf was the CAO America ‘Monument’ Torpedo. A beautiful pin-striped figurado measuring 6 and 1/4 inches long with a ring guage of 54. This America was Cigar of the Week back on March 3rd which received a 90 from Cigar Aficionado's expert tasting panel.

Following CA's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) we began the tasting. This proved to be a very well-liked cigar among our group of tasters.

After averaging our scores, The Cohiba Club's official rating for the CAO America ‘Monument’ Torpedo is 90. An outstanding cigar.

Here's the points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 13 pts (87% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 23 pts (92% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 32 pts (91% of the points possible)

With the double wrapper providing a gorgeous pin-stripe effect, we found ourselves captivated by the appearance of this cigar. These cigars all drew perfectly and produced ample amounts of pleasant smoke.

A couple of us did experience splitting wrappers as a result of the build-up of internal heat and moisture, but the cigars continued to smoke right on through with no performance detriment. The ashes were white and stable, for the most part, and some got quite long (though one did ‘flake’ a little bit).

The flavor was fairly mild up front, which gradually increased as we progressed. There was some sweetness, perhaps caramel-like. Unfortunately, some bitterness did creep in during the 2nd half, but certainly not enough to diminish the overall experience.

All in all, a very enjoyable cigar which we highly recommend.
See you at the next herf, September 7th.

Cigar of the Week (August 11th, 2008)

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:57:00 +0000

Corona
PADRON 1964 ANNIV. PRINCIPE MADURO
NICARAGUA
91
Dark and box pressed with a toothy wrapper. It draws and burns perfectly, giving off lots of cocoa, wood and leather flavors that continue on to the finish.
LENGTH: 4 1/2"
RING GAUGE: 46
FILLER: Nicaragua
BINDER: Nicaragua
WRAPPER: Nicaragua
$7.00
Source: Cigar Aficionado

On Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:11:00 +0000

No posts 'til the 11th.

Top 12 States for Low Cigar Taxes

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:01:00 +0000

Excerpted from, "Cigars in Statistics" by Rich Perelman

There are different levels of taxes depending where you are. In the case of cigars, the top 12 states with the lowest tax rates – according to the latest issue of Cigar Magazine – include:

Florida - No cigar tax
New Hampshire - No cigar tax
Pennsylvania - No cigar tax
Texas - 1.10 cents per cigar
Alabama - 4.05 cents per cigar
Oklahoma - 12 cents per cigar
Arizona - 22 cents per cigar
Delaware - Tax cap of 50 cents per cigar
Oregon - Tax cap of 50 cents per cigar
Rhode Island - Tax cap of 50 cents per cigar
Washington - Tax cap of 50 cents per cigar
Wisconsin - Tax cap of 50 cents per cigar

Honorable mentions go to South Carolina, with a cigar tax rate of just 5% of the wholesale price; Tennessee, 6.6% of the wholesale price, West Virginia at 7% of wholesale and Kentucky at 7.5% of wholesale.

In the Hall of Shame: Alaska, with a cigar tax rate of 75% of the wholesale price and Minnesota, at 70% of wholesale, the only two states with tax rates (and no cap) of more than 50% of the wholesale price.

Credit to CigarCyclopedia

CAO's Take on Double Ligero

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:50:00 +0000

Excerpted from, "C.A.O. Goes Full-Powered" by Rich Perelman.

First it was Mx2 in 2003, then the Cx2 in 2005. Now it will be the Lx2 in 2008.

"Ligero," of course, is a type of leaf which has strong taste qualities and is generally used in the filler to provide flavor for the blend. The C.A.O. Lx2 uses a Nicaraguan-grown wrapper and a Honduran binder, combined with two different types of ligero filler leaves: one grown in the Dominican Republic and the other in Nicaragua.

“The inspiration for Lx2 came from a small growing field in Nicaragua called Pueblo Nuevo,” said C.A.O. president Tim Ozgener in a statement. Pueblo Nuevo is a 140-acre farm outside of Condega, where tobacco is grown exclusively for C.A.O. and Torano brands.

“We found that tobacco from this particular farm yields an abundance of strength while retaining a nice, earthy sweetness. The taste profile played perfectly into what we were looking for with the Lx2 concept.”

It’s the third “x2" series cigar for C.A.O. The Mx2 featured two maduro wrappers on the same cigar, with Connecticut Broadleaf used as the wrapper and Brazilian maduro leaves as the binder. The Cx2 project used Cameroon leaves for wrapper and binder. Both started with the same three shapes that the Lx2 will also offer from the start:
- Rob, for robusto: 5 inches by 48 ring, in boxes of 20;
- Toro: 6 inches by 50 ring, also in boxes of 20;
- Beli, for belicoso (also known as torpedo): 6 1/2 inches by 52 ring, also in 20s.

The Lx2 line will be quite accessible in terms of pricing, with retail prices set to range from $6 to $8 each, not including local sales and tobacco taxes.

Credit to CigarCyclopedia

Cigar of the Week (July 28th, 2008)

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:07:00 +0000

Corona
ALEC BRADLEY TEMPUS GENESIS
HONDURAS
90
Dark and alluring with a fine draw and burn. The first impressions on the palate are cedary and peppery before the smoke takes on a pleasantly chewy, toasty character. A medium-to-full bodied smoke.
LENGTH: 5 1/2"
RING GAUGE: 42
FILLER: Nicaragua
BINDER: Indonesia

WRAPPER: Nicaragua
$6.25
Source: Cigar Aficionado

New Pepin Garcia Cigar for EO Brands

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:21:00 +0000

Excerpted from, "New line from United Tobacco and Pepin Garcia" by Rich Perelman

United Tobacco’s EO Brands division, already enjoying national success with their Serie 601 brand, announced the introduction of a new line made by Pepin Garcia at the Tabacalera Cubana in Nicaragua called "Cubao".

Designed as a medium-to-full-bodied cigar, Cubao means “fertile soil” and combines an Ecuadorian-grown, Sumatra-seed wrapper with Nicaraguan-grown binder and filler leaves for a spicy and peppery flavor. Six sizes will be made:

No. 1: 7 1/8 inches by 49 ring gauge double corona, to be offered in boxes of 20;
No. 2: 6 1/8 x 52 torpedo (boxes of 20);
No. 3: 7 1/2 x 38 long panatela (boxes of 30);
No. 4:4 7/8 x 50 robusto (boxes of 20);
No. 5: 6 1/8 x 50 toro (boxes of 20);
No. 6: 5 1/2 x 52 robusto (boxes of 20).

Retail pricing has been reported to be in the $6.50-7.50 per cigar range. The line was introduced formally at the IPCPR convention and trade show in Las Vegas this July.

Credit to CigarCyclopedia

Gift Review – Gurkha Vintage Shaggy Churchill

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:55:00 +0000

Another in our ongoing series of occasional reviews of cigars given to us as gifts. Featured this time is the Gurkha Estate Select Vintage “Shaggy” Churchill, given to me by club member Pat back in December of ‘07.

Vitola: Churchill

Origin: Dominican Republic

Length: 7

Ring Gauge: 52

Filler: Dom. Rep., 5yr aged

Binder: Dom. Rep., 5yr aged

Wrapper: Dominican, natural, 8yr aged

Strength: Medium

MSRP: $7.70

Produced by Kaizad Hansotia’s Beach Cigar Group, the Dominican puro features a somewhat course-looking wrapper and eye-catching ‘shaggy’ (uncut) foot. The current Cigar Aficionado rating for it is 85.

Following Cigar Aficionado's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) I sat down to rate this cigar while enjoying a pale ale.

The course wrapper gave it a rather rustic looking appearance and texture. The draw required a bit of a tug, but this thing burned perfectly! This cigar could have produced a little more smoke for my liking. The ash, like the quality of burn, was super.

The flavor, though not particularly complex, was very pleasant throughout. In the 2nd half I did get a chocolaty sort of sweet character which was very nice. All in all, a very good cigar smoking experience.

My rating for the Gurkha Estate Select Vintage Churchill is 86. An excellent cigar.

Here's the points breakdown:

I. Appearance & Construction: 13 pts (87% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 21 pts (84% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 30 pts (86% of the points possible)

Cigar of the Week (July 21st, 2008)

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:02:00 +0000

Churchill

OLIVA SERIE O CHURCHILL

NICARAGUA

An attractive churchill that comes on earthy, oaky, and strong; showing some cinnamon and spicy notes. A well-structured, medium-to-full bodied cigar.

LENGTH: 7"

RING GAUGE: 50

FILLER: Nicaragua

BINDER: Nicaragua
WRAPPER: Nicaragua

$5.20

Source: Cigar Aficionado

On Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:58:00 +0000

No posts 'til the 21st.

Herf #14 – Mixing It Up

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:21:00 +0000

July 6th, 2008 - Edmonds, WA

In attendance were Fernand, Robert, John, Pat, and Joe. As usual, we gathered to enjoy a good cigar and give our opinion on it by holding a 'group tasting' following dinner.

Unfortunately, this time an ordering snafu resulted in us not getting our selected cigar in time. They did arrive the day after the herf and will be carefully stored and enjoyed on the 10th of August at Herf #15.

The five of us were treated to delicious homemade brews and salsas, crafted by Pat, as we relaxed and chatted out on his back deck. The slow-cooked chili he served up was fabulous and really hit the spot. Once everyone had their fill, it was time for the tasting session; which took on a different twist for us this time since the occasion was now a BYOC event.

Not to be deterred by this change of operation, we persisted in our tradition of rating the cigars that we smoke together. As it happened, two of the guys smoked the same cigar so we have four cigar ratings to present this time; there were two Don Pepins smoked, one Gurkha, a Rocky Patel, and a Vegas Robaina. The ratings, done in our customary fashon, follow Cigar Aficionado's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression). The ratings are as follows:

89 and 89 given by Robert and Pat for the Don Pepin Garcia Blue Label Invictos (robusto), an excellent cigar.

Here's their points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 15 and 14 pts (100% and 93% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 23 and 22 pts (92% and 88% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 20 and 21 pts (80% and 84% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 33 and 31 pts (94% and 89% of the points possible)

86 given by Fernand for the Gurkha Estate Select Vintage Churchill, an excellent cigar.

Here's his points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 13 pts (87% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 21 pts (84% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 30 pts (86% of the points possible)

93 given by John for the Rocky Patel Decade Torpedo, an outstanding cigar.

Here's his points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 14 pts (93% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 24 pts (96% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 33 pts (94% of the points possible)

84 given by Joe for the Vegas Robaina Famoso (robusto), a very good cigar.

Here's his points breakdown:
I. Appearance & Construction: 13 pts (87% of the points possible)
II. Flavor: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)
III. Smoking Characteristics: 19 pts (76% of the points possible)
IV. Overall Impression: 30 pts (86% of the points possible)

Cigar of the Week (July 7th, 2008)

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:47:00 +0000

Lancero
LA AROMA DE CUBA CETRO
HONDURAS
90
A dark, chocolate-brown cigar with a fine draw and even burn. It offers a flavorful balance of nuts, hickory, and caramel. The toffee-like finish is a touch dry.
LENGTH: 6 1/2"
RING GAUGE: 44
FILLER: Honduras, Nicaragua
BINDER: Honduras

WRAPPER: Honduras
$4.30
Source: Cigar Aficionado

Event - Oliva Cigar Night

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:12:00 +0000

When: Friday, July 11th from 5pm-9pm
Where: CigarLand next to Central Market in Shoreline
Address: 15407 Westminister Way N, 5-C, Shoreline (206)-440-1474

The Oliva Cigar Family is making some of the hottest cigars in the industry and host John Ohm at CigarLand will provide beautiful Spanish wines that will complement these fantastic cigars.

The specials for the night are as follows:
- Buy three Oliva cigars and you get one free.
- Buy a box and you get 7 cigars free, plus a choice of Oliva Polo Shirt or Oliva Cap or Oliva Ashtray. Total free value is $85.00
- Buy two boxes and you get 14 cigars free, plus two choices from Oliva Polo Shirt, Oliva Cap or Oliva Ashtray. Total free value is $170.00
- Buy three boxes and you get 21 cigars free, plus all three items mentioned above. Total free value is $255.00
On top of all this, John will also take 15% off when you purchase a box!

Reyes Brand Change

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:34:00 +0000

Excerpted from “Reyes Family Brands Debut” by Rich Perelman

Veteran smokers are well familiar with the Cuba Aliados and Puros Indios brands, both made in Honduras by Rolando Reyes.

A set of new lines has been created under the title of “Reyes Family” cigars, underlining the company’s name change from Puros Indios to Reyes Family cigars. The blends were created by company president Carlos Diez, with input from the legendary Reyes.

Reyes Family Classic is designed as a mild-to-medium-bodied blend, featuring an Ecuadorian-grown, Sumatra-seed wrapper and binder and filler leaves from Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. Four sizes will be offered at mid-level pricing of $4.50 to $6.00 (not including local tobacco taxes) in boxes of 40 cigars each.

Reyes Family Premier is designed as medium in body, but with a dark maduro wrapper, also from Ecuador. The binder leaf is from the Condega region of Nicaragua and the filler leaves are exclusively from the Jalapa region of Nicaragua. Richer in flavor than the Classic, it is being offered in five sizes at retail prices of $6.00 to $9.00 per cigar, in boxes of 20.

With these introductions, Reyes Family now offers six distinct brands: Cuba Aliados (in two styles), Puros Indios (in two styles), Cienfuegos and Roly (a bundled, mixed-fill brand which is one of the best value cigars on the market today) and the two new Reyes Family lines. This is only the beginning, however, for Diez, as a Reyes Family Vintage line is also in the works.

Credit to CigarCyclopedia

Cigar of the Week (June 30th, 2008)

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:26:00 +0000

Double Corona

ASHTON VSG SPELLBOUND

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Dark and slightly box pressed with almost no veins on the wrapper. Smokes well for a double corona, maintaining a balance of pepper and leather. The finish is also leathery.

LENGTH: 7 1/2"

RING GAUGE: 54

FILLER: Dom. Rep.

BINDER: Dom. Rep.

WRAPPER: Ecuador

$13.00

Source: Cigar Aficionado

Gift Review – Cohiba Siglo I

noreply@blogger.com (Fernand) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:46:00 +0000

Another in our ongoing series of occasional reviews of cigars given to us as gifts. Featured this time is the Cohiba Siglo I, given to me by club member John on June 18th.

Vitola: Demi Corona

Origin: Cuba

Length: 4”

Ring Gauge: 40

Filler: Cuba

Binder: Cuba

Wrapper: Cuba

Strength: Medium

MSRP: $11.00

Produced in Cuba by Habanos, S.A., it’s small and beautiful, but also a little bit rustic. There’s just something special about looking down at that Cohiba wrapper that makes it feel extra special. The current Cigar Aficionado rating for it is 88.

Following Cigar Aficionado's 4-part rating system (Appearance & Construction, Flavor, Smoking Characteristics, and Overall Impression) I sat down to rate this cigar while enjoying a glass of cognac.

Despite its slightly rustic exterior, it did appear rather well-constructed. I gave it perfect scores for texture, appearance, and roll quality; which was evident in its perfect burn. The draw was a tad tight, but perhaps appropriate for this small size to prevent me from going too fast with it. This cigar could have produced a little more smoke for my liking and I also found the ash a little on the darker side of grey, but it was quite stable.

The flavor was not particularly complex, for me, but I did detect some of the classic ‘grassy’ taste that I’ve had with previous Cubans. I found it to be of mild strength through the first third, with it eventually ramping up to a nice enjoyable medium body. The nub got pretty short on this little guy, while sitting with John out on his back deck enjoying a pleasant June evening.

My rating for the Cohiba Siglo I is 90.

Here's the points breakdown:

I. Appearance & Construction: 15 pts (100% of the points possible)

II. Flavor: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)

III. Smoking Characteristics: 22 pts (88% of the points possible)

IV. Overall Impression: 31 pts (89% of the points possible)